The Nikon Coolpix S1 has a thickness of just under 20 millimeters, about halfway between the thickness of Sony's DSC-T3 and DSC-T33 models. It offers quite a range of features for an ultracompact model, including Nikon's Face-Priority AF feature that automatically detects and focuses on a human face in portrait photos. Other useful technologies included in the S1 include In-Camera Red-Eye Fix, D-Lighting (which brightens underexposed image areas in playback mode), white balance bracketing, Best Shot Selector (which captures several photos and chooses the one with sharpest focus to be saved), and a blur warning.

The S1 also features a built-in flash, 2.5" LCD display, USB and NTSC / PAL video connectivity, Lithium Ion rechargeable battery, and a bundled camera dock. It will ship next month for $379.95.

UPDATED 2005-03-16 14:04ET: A number of specifications which we were waiting for Nikon to confirm have now been added to the spec table in this news item.

Original Source Press Release:

NIKON INTRODUCES NEW COOLPIX S1 DIGITAL CAMERA - THE SMALLEST AND THINNEST NIKON CAMERA AND THE FIRST WITH A 2.5" LCD SCREEN

Sophistication Made Simple through Exclusive Nikon Technology

MELVILLE, NY, MARCH 16, 2005 – Some digital cameras are very stylish. Others simply take great pictures. Those looking for the best of both worlds will enjoy the latest addition to Nikon’s award-winning line-up of Coolpix digital cameras. Nikon today introduced the new ultra-slim Coolpix S1 - a 5.1-megapixel camera featuring state-of-the-art technology like the exclusive new Face Priority AF (Auto Focus) feature, enhanced image quality and improved speed, within a smooth, compact design. Along with the line’s first, bright 2.5-inch LCD screen, the ¾-inch thin Coolpix S1 is perfect for the customer who values style and sophistication on par with traditional Nikon performance.

“The new Coolpix S1 is a breakthrough for Nikon in terms of its advanced technology designed to take better pictures, easier than ever,” said Bill Giordano, General Manager of Marketing ¬¬¬for Nikon, Inc. “The Coolpix S1 would be a perfect choice for digital photographers who want a sleek slim companion camera to capture memories whenever and wherever they happen.”

Beautiful Pictures in Three Simple Steps! With improved designs and exciting new exclusive technology, Nikon has narrowed the picture-taking process down to three simple steps – turn on the camera, frame the shot and snap the picture. It’s that simple!

Imagine a camera smart enough to find a face in a portrait shot. Nikon’s new Face-priority AF function can do just that when selected through the Portrait Scene Mode. As its name suggests, Face-priority AF ensures that faces remain in focus when shooting portraits by automatically sensing the presence of a human face within the frame and setting accurate focus accordingly. The result is a sharp portrait with the press of a button.

Beyond faces, the Nikon Coolpix S1 can also automatically detect and fix red-eye directly within the camera. The S1 boasts Nikon’s renowned In-Camera Red-Eye Fix™ technology, which detects and corrects red eyes in most typical situations without the need to press buttons or select and highlight the eyes in playback. Without the hassle of additional software, photographers will experience less red-eye photos yielding print-ready portraits.

The new Coolpix S1 also uses intelligent technology to help ensure a balanced exposure and sharpness. Nikon’s exclusive new D-Lighting function is another addition that can literally turn throwaway shots into frame-able memories. The D-Lighting feature can be selected in Playback mode — automatically compensating for insufficient flash or excessive back lighting in order to obtain balanced exposure throughout the frame. The S1 is also equipped with Blur Warning, another feature unique to Nikon which alerts the user when a shot is compromised by camera or hand shake, allowing another shot to be taken before leaving the scene.

Nikon has engineered the new Coolpix S1 with more features that improve the image directly within the camera and streamline the process of receiving great prints using a favorite retailer, online service or home printer. Furthermore, with its incredible, bright 2.5-inch LCD screen, images are easier to review and share than on most consumer digital cameras.

To further address a common need among digital camera users, Nikon has also focused its technology to reducing power consumption, allowing the Coolpix S1 to take significantly more shots per battery charge, using the camera’s rechargeable EN-EL8 lithium-ion battery.

To add speed to precision, the Coolpix S1 offers continuous shooting at 1.8 fps. The blazing speed even continues into the startup time, with the Coolpix S1 starting up in less than 2 seconds.

More Features in a Sleek, Compact Design –

5.1 effective megapixels

3x Zoom-Nikkor ED Glass lens with a focal range equivalent to that of a 35-105mm lens in 35mm format

Compact dimensions of (W x H x D – 3.5 x 2.3 x 0.8 inches)

Light weight of approx 4.2 oz. (without battery and memory card)

COOLSTATION MV-11 cradle included for easy downloading images and recharging the battery in the camera

Like all the other models in Nikon’s popular Coolpix line, the Coolpix S1 makes shooting in a range of common situations even simpler through the incorporation of Scene Modes. This camera offers four Scene Modes that feature Scene Assist, and even a new Underwater Scene Mode and Voice Recording Mode that brings the total choice of Scene Modes up to 17. Intended for use with the Waterproof Case WP-CP5, the Underwater Scene Mode enables true-to-life colors to be captured when taking shots while snorkeling or scuba diving. Like all the other Scene Modes, operation is extremely easy. Simply select the Scene Mode that best matches the subject, then point and shoot for optimal results.

The Coolpix S1 also makes it easy to capture action in an expressive manner with the power to record VGA-size movies with sound at a smooth rate of 15 frames per second. The S1 can easily be connected to a TV, using the included video cable, to share the fun with friends and family.

With a redesigned graphic user interface (GUI), the S1 user can now navigate functions by either menu item list or the all new icon view and the all new Help function. Now the camera enables the total beginner to find the right mode at the right moment to achieve the best results, time after time. It’s all part of Nikon’s dedicated effort to give users what they demand in a top quality digital camera.

The announcement of the Nikon Coolpix S1 digital camera is targeted toward making a great picture easy through the use of automatic in-camera features, from the compact design to the host of time-saving features. The PictBridge compatibility makes it possible to print directly to a printer, without the need for a computer. For those who enjoy organizing and sharing their photographs on a computer, all Nikon Coolpix cameras ship with Nikon’s proprietary PictureProject software, a user-friendly photo management software designed expressly for use by Nikon Coolpix photographers that offers a broad selection of cataloguing, editing and sharing functions. This software package is aimed at providing a central location that is simple, intuitive and seamless for Coolpix digital photographers.

The Coolpix S1 will be available at retail nationwide in April 2005 at an MSRP of $379.95. For more information about this and other Coolpix cameras, please visit www.nikondigital.com.

About Nikon Nikon...If the picture matters, the camera matters™. Nikon Inc. is the world leader in precision optics, 35mm and digital imaging technology and is recognized worldwide for setting new standards in product design and performance for its award-winning consumer and professional photographic equipment. Nikon Inc. distributes the Nikon Total Imaging System of consumer and professional 35mm film and digital SLR cameras, Nikkor optics, Speedlights and System Accessories; Advanced Photo System cameras; 35mm compact cameras; Nikon Coolpix® compact digital cameras; Coolscan® digital film scanners; Nikonos® underwater photographic systems; and Nikon sports and recreational optics. Through the Nikon Spirit Initiative™, the company, plays an active role in supporting aspiring and advanced photographers through a variety of philanthropic organizations, educational programs, events and workshops. For more information, dial (800) NIKON-US or visit www.nikonusa.com, which links all levels of photographers to the web's most comprehensive photo learning and sharing communities.